Cheorwon County to Open 14th Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival on January 17

Cheorwon County Hosts Ice Trekking Festival on UNESCO Geopark
Spectacular Scenery on Silver Ice... A Winter Gift from the Hantan River in Cheorwon

Cheorwon County in Gangwon Province will host the "14th Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival" for nine days from January 17 to January 25, around the Hantan River and Seungilgyo Bridge area in Cheorwon.

Cheorwon County will hold the "14th Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival" for nine days from the 17th to the 25th around the Hantan River and Seungilgyo Bridge area in Cheorwon. Provided by Cheorwon County

The "Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival" is a signature winter event where visitors can walk along the frozen Hantan River, enjoying its breathtaking scenery and the unique winter atmosphere of Cheorwon. On the solidly frozen river, participants can vividly appreciate the unique rock formations created by volcanic activity and the columnar joints designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

At the midpoint of the trekking course, beneath Seungilgyo Bridge, a snow sledding area, a crane exhibition hall, and a winter food experience zone will be set up. Various attractions and activities, including busking performances, will be offered to provide festival visitors with a rich and immersive experience.

On the opening day, January 17, at 9 a.m., a welcome performance and warm-up exercises will kick off the event, followed by a group trek. The opening ceremony, including a celebratory performance by the Cheorwon Arts Troupe, will take place on a special stage beneath Seungilgyo Bridge.

Cheorwon County will hold the "14th Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival" for nine days from the 17th to the 25th around the Hantan River and Seungilgyo Bridge area in Cheorwon. Photo by Cheorwon County

Additionally, on January 24, a special event called the "Hantan River Cold Wind Arm Muscle Jogging Contest" will be held. With participants showcasing colorful body painting and unique performances, this program is expected to add another layer of fun to the festival.

The Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival has been recognized for its excellence and originality, winning the "Hall of Fame" at the 2023 Korea Festival Content Awards, being selected as an Outstanding Festival of Gangwon Province in 2024, and designated as a "Preliminary Culture and Tourism Festival" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It has firmly established itself as Cheorwon County's leading winter festival, attracting numerous tourists.

A Cheorwon County official (Governor Lee Hyun-jong) stated, "We hope you create unforgettable winter memories and enjoy unique experiences at the Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival, where you can become one with nature as you walk on the snow and ice of the Hantan River."